TNA ADM 199 xxx

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also "Locust" lying off, embarking mon from small craft
coming out from the inner harbour. Ships proceeded in
and berthed in accordance with R.A.D's orders.
0210 Secured alongaide Eastern Pier. Embarked approximately
800 French troops. This disappointing number was due
to difficulty of stowing French troops with the
enormous packs they carried. The ship seemed fuller
than it had ever been. While "Malcoln" was alongside
embarking troops, "Lecust" had completed embarkation
of troops from small boats and signalled she had room
for about another 100 or 30 and proceeded alongside
pier ahead of "Malcolm" at about 0225 and filled up.
This WELD not part of the duties for which she had been
detailed. Light was not then far off and I consider
this showed initiative and courage on the part of the
Commanding Officer of "Locust" whose name is unknown
to no.
About this time R.A.D. told = verbally by loud speaker
from & N.T. B. that the last two ships were to use
their discretion about remaining later than 0230 and
"Express" was told by me to leave not later than 0300.
It 1s understood that she remained until 0318 before
shoving off full of French troops and the Naval Beach
Party, which I consider gost creditable to the
Commanding Officer, Captain J. Bickford.
0245 Slipped. Cutside Dunkirk not "Shikari" and
signalled her to return to Dover. Found she vas
escorting a blook ship. At this time a magnatic
wine exploded alongaide the block ship Just after
"Maleolm" passed her at about a half cable's distance.
It is understood from subsequent signals that "Shikari"
went alongaide to take off further French troops who
were still on the pier. In the circumstances I
consider this showed courage and initiative on the
part of the Commanding "fricer, Licutenant Commander
H.N.A. Richardson, R.M. Beach Party had already
been embarked in "Sxpress" and destroyers had been
ordered to return to Dover. On way back during
thick weather near North Goodwin heard ories of
distress in the water and picked up survivors,
mainly soldiers, from "Schuyt" which had been
sunk by collision with one of our minesweepers.
A French notor boat who was picking up survivors and
whose propeller had been disabled by wreekage,
asked 100 for B. tow. I took her in tow and
found that Admiral Abrial, French Commander-in-
Chief, Dunkirk, was on board her.
0600 Secured alongside Admiralty Pier and disembarked
approx. French troops and French Com ander-in-Chiof who
was received by Vice-Admiral, Dover.